Kim Hamilton
| Kim Hamilton | |
|---|---|
 Hamilton with Ivan Dixon and Steven Perry in The Twilight Zone episode "The Big Tall Wish", 1960. | |
| Born |
Dorothy Mae Aiken September 12, 1932 Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Died |
September 16, 2013 (aged 81) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Other names | Kim Rousseau |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1952–2010 |
| Spouse(s) |
Robert Henry Hamilton (1951–19??) Dave Geisel (1962–65; divorced) Werner Klemperer (1997–2000; his death) |
| Children | 2 |
Kim Hamilton (born Dorothy Mae Aiken; September 12, 1932 – September 16, 2013) was an American film and television actress, whose career spanned from the 1950s to the 2010s.[1] Her early film credits included the 1959 film noir, Odds Against Tomorrow, opposite Harry Belafonte, and The Leech Woman in 1960.[1] Hamilton was one of the first African American actors to appear on the soap opera, Days of Our Lives,[2] and was the only African-American to appear in a speaking role on Leave It to Beaver.[1]
Hamilton portrayed, in an uncredited role, Helen Robinson in 1962 film adaptation, To Kill a Mockingbird, based on Harper Lee's novel of the same name. She was the film's last surviving African American adult cast member with a speaking role.[3]
Biography
Career
Hamilton initially wanted to be a model, but could not work in the fashion industry due to her short stature and race.[1] Instead, she found an advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, which led to acting classes and an agent.[1] Hamilton made her professional acting debut in the 1950s television sitcom, Amos 'n' Andy.[1] She played Andy's (Spencer Williams) girlfriend on the show for several episodes.[1]
She briefly moved to London to pursue acting.[1] Hamilton was able to find some roles, but returned to the United States after the British Actors' Equity Association and the Secretary of State for Employment denied her work permit, a practice commonly used against American actors at the time.[1]
Hamilton appeared in more than sixty television series and television films throughout her career. In 1960, she guest starred in an episode The Twilight Zone called "The Big Tall Wish."[1] She became one of the first black actresses to appear on the soap opera, Days of Our Lives,[2] Other roles included guest spots on The Thin Man, General Hospital,[4] Sanford and Son, In the Heat of the Night and Law & Order. She played Songi in "Final Mission" a 1990 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Her last television credit was a 2008 episode of the ABC series, Private Practice.
Hamilton was also an artist, director, and writer. In her final credits, she was credited as Kim Rousseau.[5]
In December 2007, Hamilton was honored for her career achievements by Columbia University and the Harlem community at an event held at the Museum of the City of New York.[3] Hamilton's honor was part of series of Columbia University's Big Read program, focusing on To Kill a Mockingbird through guest lectures, productions, and panel discussions.[3]
Personal life and death
Hamilton was born Dorothy Mae Aiken on September 12, 1932 in Los Angeles, California.[2] A former resident of Harlem, she divided her time between her homes in Los Angeles and the Upper West Side of Manhattan.[3]
She was married three times in her life and had two children; her son, Robert, predeceased her. Her first marriage, at age 18, was to Robert Henry Hamilton (1951 until divorce later that decade); this union produced two children. A second marriage was to television director, Dave Geisel (1962–65). She dated German-born actor Werner Klemperer for more than two decades before their marriage in 1997.[1] They remained together until Klemperer's death on December 6, 2000.[6]
Hamilton died of undisclosed causes on September 16, 2013, aged 81, in Los Angeles, California.[2][7][8]
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Odds Against Tomorrow | Ruth Ingram |
| 1960 | The Leech Woman | Young Malla |
| 1961 | The Wizard of Baghdad | Teegra |
| 1962 | To Kill a Mockingbird | Helen Robinson |
| 1966 | The Wild Angels | Nurse |
| 1971 | Kotch | Emma Daly |
| 1981 | Body and Soul | Mrs. Johnson |
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Robe, Alan K. (2007-04-13). "Kim Hamilton interview with Alan K. Rode-PtS 1 and 2". Film Noir Foundation. Retrieved 2013-10-13.
- 1 2 3 4 "Kim Hamilton, one of the first African-American actresses on "Days", passes away". SalemSpectator.com. 2013-08-29. Retrieved 2013-10-13.
- 1 2 3 4 "Harlem community honors 'Mockingbird' actress". Associated Press (USA Today). 2007-04-13. Retrieved 2013-10-13.
- ↑ "Kim Hamilton Joins General Hospital Cast". Jet (Johnson Publishing Company). September 26, 1969. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ↑ Kim Hamilton filmography
- ↑ Woo, Elaine (2000-12-08). "Werner Klemperer; Played Col. Klink in 'Hogan's Heroes'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-10-13.
- ↑ Actress Kim Hamilton, From TNG's 'Final Mission', Dies
- ↑ Actress Kim Hamilton Dies at 81, November 6, 2013, 04:42PM PT, article by Carmel Dagan, Variety.com, accessed November 6, 2013.
External links
- Kim Hamilton at the Internet Movie Database
- Kim Hamilton at Memory Alpha (a Star Trek wiki)